Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair named NWSL Player of the Week

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair was named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 15 of the 2014 NWSL season, it was announced today.

Sinclair, 31, scored the first hat-trick in the club’s history and the fourth in NWSL history as Portland earned a 6-3 win against the Boston Breakers on Sunday at Providence Park.

In 18 matches this season (17 starts), Sinclair has recorded seven goals and one assist. Sinclair is tied for sixth in the NWSL in goals and leads the league in shots (60), while she is tied for the league lead in shots on goal (31).

Today’s announcement marks the second consecutive week a Thorns FC player has received this honor. Thorns FC midfielder Verónica Boquete was the Player of the Week for Week 14. It is also the fourth time a Thorns FC player has been recognized by the league this season as Boquete earned the honor for Week 10 and forward Alex Morgan received the honor for Week 11.

Sinclair tallied her first goal of the match in the 36th minute, receiving a pass inside the box from Boquete and finishing near the penalty spot inside the right post. The Canada Women’s National Team captain scored again right before halftime as Morgan turned to lay a ball off for Sinclair to finish with a left footed shot from close range. Sinclair completed her hat-trick 33 seconds into the second half, linking up with Morgan who drew a group of defenders before sliding a pass to Sinclair for a quick finish in front of goal.

The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a selection of journalists that cover the league on a consistent basis.